Cybercrime Law: Prosecution Task Force To Handle Cases

Think before posting or commenting online. There's already a trained unit that will handle the case if someone charges you for violation of the Cybercrime Law.

In a news release, the Department of Justice announced that it has released the latest initiative of its Office of Cybercrime (OOC) with the issuance of Department Order No. 746 dated 08 September 2014 that constituted and organized the Prosecution Task Force on Cybercrime to handle cybercrime cases.

"This specially trained unit is essential to enforce the new law against cybercrime. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is fast evolving and the Department needs to learn and adapt to the new threats,” said Secretary of Justice Leila M. de Lima. "We also recommended to the Supreme Court that dedicated cybercrime courts be named,” she said.

The task force is headed by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva and Senior Assistant State Prosecutor Lilian Doris Alejo. Prosecutor-General Claro Arellano said that "a combination of seasoned and dynamic prosecutors already convened to discuss a plan of action.”

"What will distinguish this team is its grounding on the technical aspects of investigation and prosecution of cybercrimes focused on the priorities of child abuse, business fraud and network security,” said Assistant Secretary Geronimo Sy, head of the OOC.

Among the cybercrimes covered are violations of the Anti-Photo and Voyeurism Act of 2009, Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009, E-Commerce Act of 2000, Access Devices Regulation Act of 1998 and Anti-Wiretapping Law of 1965.